Book of the Month — February 2016 (Black History Month)

Welcome back, readers! I hope you enjoyed our first Book of the Month post. (In case you missed it, click here!) Without delay, let’s move right on to February!

February is Black History Month

Click the picture to buy this book from Amazon.

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month. This is a time to reflect on how we have grown and changed as a nation. We share stories about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and other inspirational moments in the Civil Rights Movement. We have moved into this (our future) by learning from our past.

Our book this month is Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. Published in 2010, this book is part of her Seeds of America Trilogy — along with Forge and Ashes. Isabel and her young epileptic sister were promised their freedom from slavery upon the death of their owner. However, the girls are instead sold to a wealthy couple who is completely unsympathetic to their struggle. In their eyes, the girls are merely property. Isabel is offered the chance to spy on her new owners to help put a stop to the Revolutionary War. With her sister’s life at sake, as well as her own, Isabel must weigh her options carefully.

This book is geared toward junior high students, but I feel like it would make an excellent read aloud with a middle schooler. A story such as this will no doubt spark great discussions. It allows for numerous learning opportunities — including reflective and creative writing. Isabel’s journey to freedom will be a moving experience you won’t soon forget.

Please support the Creative Education Institute and consider purchasing your book through Amazon Smile. 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to help struggling students learn how to read.

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About the Author

Nikki

Nikki is the Director of Student Services for North Coast Education Services. She coordinates the tutoring for all private students, assists with in-school programs, and is responsible for the NCES blog. Nikki is also the Assistant Camp Director of the Academic Fun & Fitness Camp, a summer program for students with learning disabilities in Kirtland, OH.

Tutoring services for students and their families in Greater Cleveland and throughout Northern Ohio. We take the time to match students with tutors to ensure the right areas of learning are developed. Our curriculum includes programs which are multi-sensory, systematic approaches to reading and math, as well as tutoring for all subjects.